NBA star Yao Ming of China.[xinhuanet.com]

"Yao Ming is the most internationally influential athlete in the history of Chinese sports," Xinhua news agency quoted the association as saying in a statement. "What he has achieved was based on his hard work, wisdom and professionalism."

The report said officials were not pressing Yao, who is recuperating in Shanghai following a foot injury, to play for China in the World Championships in Japan next month.

"We will by no means urge him to play the World Championship in Japan," Li Yuanwei, commissioner of the association, was quoted as saying yesterday. "We do not want him to take any risk. He can take his time in recuperation."

The 2.29-meter Yao broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his foot on April 10 in the US state of Utah, and had surgery four days later. Doctors have ordered him not to play basketball until August 1.

The tournament starts in Japan on August 19. Yao said two weeks ago that his chances of playing in it were 50-50.

He said he will definitely be ready to play by the time the Houston Rockets open training camp in October.